San Francisco, CA: Nearly two-thirds of likely California voters would support a statewide ballot measure to legalize and regulate marijuana production and retail sales, according to survey data conducted by Tulchin Research and commissioned by the state affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Sixty-five percent of respondents said that they would support a ballot proposal "to legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana in California for adults." Only 32 percent of those surveyed said that they would oppose such a measure.

A strong majority of self-identified Democratic (74 percent) and Independent/non-affiliated (72 percent) voters, but not Republican (47 percent) voters backed the proposal. African-Americans (74 percent), Caucasians (69 percent), and Asians (68 percent) also expressed strong support legalizing cannabis. Men and women were virtually equal in their support. Respondents in every age category, including those age 65 and older, expressed majority support for legalization.

The results of a separate Public Policy Institute of California poll released earlier this month reported that 60 percent of likely California voters support legalizing the plant's possession and sale for adults.

The ACLU also announced the formation of the blue-ribbon panel to study ways to regulate cannabis in California. The panel will be headed by state Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. It is expected to convene for the next 18 to 24 months before making its recommendations.